The
decision to do an MBA is an important step.
Equally important is choosing which MBA program
to go for. Today, for an aspiring candidate
there are several options available, which
include: a full-time program (two-year and
one-year), a part-time program or a distance-learning
program (including online). The selection criteria for you should
be your interests, the time you can devote
to the course, choice of B-school and the
fact that specializations offered vary between
institutes.

The
Two-year Full-time Program

It provides an all-encompassing
experience, as well as the opportunity to
network and take active part in extra-curricular
and other on-campus activities. These programs
start from scratch and are ideal for
those who have no work experience or whose
experience is less than 3 years. It is also the most preferred
option as far as recruiters are concerned.Read
more about the full-time MBA program

The
One-year Full-time Program

It is meant specifically
for those with work experience, who are looking
for a career shift or adding that extra edge
to their qualifications. However, going for a one-year course
implies an increased level of dedication,
rigor and commitment from the candidate.Read
more about the one-year full-time MBA program

The
Part-time Program

If you already have
a steady job but have a definite career path
in mind, part-time MBA programs are for you.
However, do keep in mind that such a course is
devoid of certain advantages that the full-time
programs offer, namely the opportunity to interact
with peers on a regular basis that a residential
two-year course would offer. A large number of
applicants to these programs are looking for skill
upgradation that could help them change jobs or to
get higher compensation by making the 'grade' within
their existing organization. These courses normally
vary from two to three years in duration. Read
more about the part-time MBA program

Distance-learning
Programs

Study material is given to the students and then most
'good' distance learning programs also have contact classes.
The contact classes are generally of three types: physically
held at the city of the aspirant, classes held at the B-school
campus for a week twice a year, and regular classes that are
beamed live into classrooms in select cities using virtual
satellite technology over VSAT. These programs are generally
more useful from a 'getting the degree' rather than learning
perspective.Read
more about the distance-learning MBA program

Specialized
MBAs

A specialized MBA is
for those aspirants who do not want to
specialize in the usual fields of marketing
or finance. A specialized MBA offers rare
specializations in the fields of rural,
telecom or retail management, to name a few. Needless
to say, going for such a specialized course
implies a well thought-out career plan.Read
more about the specialized MBA program